Soft impact projectile launcher

ABSTRACT

A soft impact projectile launcher including a launching mechanism that creates a burst of air or air pressure in order to launch a projectile. The launching mechanism includes an outer cylinder and a spring-loaded piston configured to generate the burst of air. The projectile launcher may also include a projectile reservoir and a loading member that positions projectiles for launching. The projectile launcher can launch projectiles that are made from a superabsorbent polymer and consist of mostly water.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications identified in a priority claim in theApplication Data Sheet, or any correction thereto, are herebyincorporated by reference herein and made a part of the presentdisclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to launchers and, morespecifically, to launchers that launch soft impact projectiles.

Description of the Related Art

Launchers that launch projectiles have become popular among children andadults. There are many different projectile launcher variations anddesigns. Launchers that are capable of launching a plurality ofprojectiles without reloading have been found to be very popular. Somelaunchers eject projectiles with a burst of pressurized air or gas. Forexample, some paintball guns use pressurized CO2 canisters or cartridgesto generate a burst of gas. Other launchers use a spring-loaded pistonwithin a cylinder to generate a burst of air.

The projectiles typically used with paintball guns have a somewhat hardouter shell and marking paint within the shell. Being hit by suchprojectiles can be painful and, thus, such projectiles are not verysuitable for use with soft impact projectile launchers. Furthermore, themarking paint within the projectile leaves a lasting residue uponimpact. Other projectiles commonly used with projectile launchers areoften made from foam or rubber. These materials do not easily decomposeand are not friendly to the environment if used outdoors. Suchprojectiles are often shaped like bullets and are not spherical.Non-spherical shapes can make it difficult and tedious to load theprojectiles into the launcher. Many launchers require the user to loadthe projectiles one at a time or after each launching. Therefore, thecurrent projectiles and corresponding launchers are undesirable andunsuitable for many applications and a need exists for improvedlaunchers and projectiles.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Preferred embodiments of the projectile launcher include a launchingmechanism that generates a burst of air or air pressure within thelauncher and without the use of outside air pressure sources. Preferredembodiments of the projectiles are configured to have a soft impact anddo not have a hard outer surface or shell. The projectiles may also beconfigured to degrade quickly and leave little or no residue. Certainembodiments of the projectiles may also be spherical in shape and easilyloadable into the projectile launcher.

A preferred embodiment involves a projectile launcher having an outerhousing comprising a grip portion. A slide is movable relative to theouter housing between a cocked position and a released position. Abarrel has a loading end and a muzzle end. A reservoir houses aplurality of projectiles and has an opening that permits communicationwith the barrel to permit a projectile to move from the reservoir to thebarrel. A launching mechanism has a first portion and a second portionin sealed, sliding engagement with one another, which cooperate todefine an air chamber. The first portion can be moved to a cockedposition by the slide. A launch spring biases the first portion of thelaunching mechanism away from the cocked position. The movement of thefirst portion from the cocked position under the biasing force of thelaunch spring reduces a volume of the air chamber to create a burst ofair capable of launching a projectile from the barrel. The secondportion includes a loading member that selectively blocks the opening ofthe reservoir. The second portion moves with movement of the slidetoward the cocked position such that the loading member unblocks theopening of the reservoir to permit a projectile to move from thereservoir through the opening to the barrel.

A preferred embodiment involves a launcher as described in the previousparagraph and further including a trigger mechanism configured torelease the first portion of the launching mechanism from the cockedposition and a barrel closure mechanism having at least one shuttermember that normally blocks a muzzle end of the barrel. The at least oneshutter member is moved to an open position to unblock the barrel whenthe trigger is actuated.

A preferred embodiment involves a launcher as described in the previousparagraphs, and in which the at least one shutter member includes a pairof shutter members that move away from one another to the open positionto unblock the barrel.

A preferred embodiment involves a launcher as described in the previousparagraph, and in which the barrel closure mechanism includes a pair ofangled arms, each of which engages a respective one of the pair ofshutter members. The angled arms are movable with the trigger mechanismto move the pair of shutter members to the open position.

A preferred embodiment involves a projectile launcher including an outerhousing comprising a grip portion, configured to be grasped by a user,and a barrel. A projectile is configured to move through the barrel andis constructed from a superabsorbent polymer. A reservoir portion isconfigured to store the projectile and is capable of communicating withthe barrel to permit the projectile to move from the reservoir portionto the barrel. A launching mechanism includes an outer cylinder that iscapable of fluid communication with the barrel and a piston movablewithin the outer cylinder and configured to generate air pressure withinthe outer cylinder for launching the projectile from the barrel.

A preferred embodiment involves a launcher as described in the previousparagraph and further including a barrel closure mechanism configured toprevent objects from entering the barrel through a muzzle end of thebarrel. The barrel closure mechanism includes at least one shuttermember that selectively blocks the barrel.

A preferred embodiment involves a launcher as described in the previousparagraph and further including a trigger that is operable to releasethe piston from a cocked position. Actuation of the trigger causes thebarrel closure mechanism to unblock the portion of the barrel.

A preferred embodiment involves a launcher as described above andfurther comprising a positioning mechanism having a blocking portionthat is normally biased to a position in which the blocking portion islocated within the barrel to inhibit the projectile from moving past theblocking portion.

A preferred embodiment involves a launcher as described in the previousparagraph and in which the outer cylinder is operably coupled to aloading member that moves into and out of a portion of the barrel inorder to permit a projectile to move from the reservoir portion to thebarrel. The loading member pushes the projectile past the blockingportion of the positioning mechanism.

A preferred embodiment involves a launcher as described in the previousparagraph and in which the loading member moves out of a portion of thebarrel when the piston is moved to a cocked position, allowing theprojectile to enter the barrel.

A preferred embodiment involves a launcher as described above and inwhich the projectile is spherical in shape. A preferred embodimentinvolves a launcher as described above and in which the projectile ishomogeneous.

A preferred embodiment involves a method of launching a projectileincluding displacing a portion of a cocking mechanism and removing aloading member from within an entry portion of a barrel to allow aprojectile to enter the barrel. The projectile comprises asuperabsorbent polymer material. The method further includes moving aspring-loaded piston within a cylinder of the projectile launcher towarda cocked position and moving the loading member into the entry portionof the barrel after the projectile has entered the barrel. The piston isreleased from the cocked position to generate air pressure within thecylinder and the barrel of the projectile launcher, the air pressurecausing the projectile to launch out of the barrel portion of theprojectile launcher.

A preferred embodiment involves the method described above and furtherincluding opening a barrel closing mechanism in response to actuation ofa trigger that releases the piston to unblock a portion of the barrel.

A preferred embodiment involves the method described above wherein theremoving of the loading member and the moving of the spring-loadedpiston occur at the same time.

A preferred embodiment involves the method described above wherein themoving of the spring-loaded piston begins prior to the removing of theloading member.

A preferred embodiment involves a method of manufacturing a projectileincluding producing an unloaded pellet, the pellet comprising asuperabsorbent polymer. The unloaded pellet is loaded with a liquidwhich increases the size of the pellet and produces a loaded projectile.The loaded projectile consists of equal to or greater than approximately50% of the liquid. The loaded projectile is packaged in a containerconfigured to hold multiple projectiles and further configured toprotect the projectile from outside forces.

A preferred embodiment involves the method described above wherein theloaded projectile consists of equal to or greater than approximately 95%water.

A preferred embodiment involves the method described above wherein theunloaded pellet and the loaded projectile are spherical in shape andhave diameters of approximately 2 millimeters and 12 millimeters,respectively.

A preferred embodiment involves the method described above wherein thecontainer is made of a rigid plastic material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention are described below with reference to drawings of a preferredembodiment, which is intended to illustrate, but not to limit, thepresent invention. The drawings contain 13 figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a projectile launcher.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the projectile launcher of FIG. 1 withportions of the launcher removed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cross-section of the projectilelauncher of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the projectile launcher of FIG. 1 withportions of the launcher removed.

FIGS. 5A-D illustrate the interaction between different parts of theprojectile launcher of FIG. 1, during cocking and launching of thelauncher.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the positioning mechanism of theprojectile launcher of FIG. 1, with its parts removed.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a projectilelauncher.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cross section of the projectilelauncher of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the projectile launcher of FIG. 7 withportions of the launcher removed.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the projectile launcher of FIG. 7 withportions of the launcher removed.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an embodiment of a projectile receiver.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an embodiment of a projectile before andafter being loaded with a liquid.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of packaging forprojectiles.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of packaging forprojectiles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the soft impact projectile launchers disclosedherein are configured to launch projectiles constructed from an acrylicpolymer or superabsorbent polymer (SAP) material. Preferably, theprojectiles are one size when initially created and increase to asignificantly larger size when loaded with water or another suitablefluid (e.g., after being soaked in water or another suitable fluid for aperiod of time). Preferably, the projectiles are loaded prior to beinglaunched from the soft impact projectile launcher. More preferably, theprojectiles are loaded prior to being placed in a projectile reservoirof the projectile launcher. In some embodiments, the projectiles areloaded during the manufacturing process prior to packaging. Suchprojectiles are well-suited for use in soft impact projectile launchers.Preferred projectiles are relatively soft and, typically, at leastsubstantially disintegrate upon impact. Some preferred embodiments ofthe projectiles are spherical in shape, which facilitates loading fromthe reservoir into the launching mechanism of the projectile launcher.Preferred embodiments of the projectiles can be launched by a variety oftypes of launchers, including the launchers described herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a soft impact projectile launcher20 in accordance with the present invention. The projectile launcher 20includes an outer housing 22 and a grip portion 24. Preferably, the gripportion 24 is sized and shaped so that it may be grasped by a user. Theprojectile launcher 20 also includes a trigger 26 adjacent to the gripportion 24. Preferably, the trigger 26 is accessible to the user'sfinger when the user is grasping the grip portion 24. The trigger 26 isconfigured to actuate a launching mechanism (described below) whensqueezed or pulled by the user. As illustrated, a trigger guard 28 mayalso be included to support the trigger 26 or provide protection frominadvertent actuation of the trigger 26. Preferably, the projectilelauncher 20 also includes a projectile reservoir 30 configured toreceive and store projectiles for launching.

FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 illustrate the interior of the projectile launcher 20with portions of the outer housing 22 removed. The projectile launcher20 includes a barrel 36 with a muzzle 38 proximate the end of the barrel36. Preferably, the barrel 36 includes an entry portion 40 configured toallow a projectile to enter the barrel 36. The entry portion 40 mayinclude an opening in the top of the barrel 36, or alternatively theopening can be on the sides or bottom of the barrel 36. In someembodiments, the barrel 36 includes a portion or chamber in which aprojectile is held before it is launched. Preferably, the entry portion40 of the barrel 36 receives projectiles from the projectile reservoir30.

As illustrated, the projectile reservoir 30 may include sloped bottomportions 42 arranged to direct or funnel the projectiles toward theopening of the entry portion 40. The reservoir 30 includes an opening 44configured for refilling the reservoir 30 with projectiles or emptyingthe projectiles from the reservoir 30. Preferably, the reservoir 30includes a cap or lid 46 that may prevent projectiles from leaving thereservoir 30 through the opening 44. The lid 46 can slide relative tothe housing 22 (such as within grooves) with some amount of resistanceto inhibit unintentional opening or closing of the lid 46. Optionally,the lid 46 can be latched into the closed position. In otherarrangements, the lid 46 may be spring loaded and biased towards aclosed position. Preferably, the projectile reservoir 30 is generallyhollow and can store multiple projectiles therein. As illustrated, thereservoir 30 is preferably configured above the barrel 36 so that theprojectiles can fall into the entry portion 40 of the barrel 36. Inother embodiments, the projectiles can be stored in one or more slots,or the projectiles may be stored in a single-file track that leads to anentry portion 40 of the barrel 36. Alternatively, the launcher 20 mayinclude a rotating member, such as a cylinder, configured to storeprojectiles and place the projectiles in a launching position as therotating member rotates. In other preferred embodiments, the projectilestorage member or reservoir is removable from the launcher 20 and can berefilled by removing the reservoir and then re-coupling it to thelauncher 20. The storage member may take the form of a clip, magazine orhopper, for example. In such embodiments, the reservoir can comepre-filled with projectiles so that the reservoir can be easily replacedwith a full reservoir when the projectiles have been launched.

The projectile launcher 20 includes a launching mechanism 50 which isconfigured to generate a burst of air that pushes a projectile throughthe barrel 36 and out of the muzzle 38. The launching mechanism 50includes an outer cylinder 52 and a launch spring 54. Preferably, aloading member 53 is supported by the outer cylinder 52 and extends fromthe outer cylinder 52 in an axial direction. At least a portion of theloading member 53 is configured to move within a portion of the barrel36. Preferably, the loading member 53 is configured to push or move aprojectile from within the entry portion 40, through the rearwardopening of the barrel 36, to a launching position. The loading member 53is preferably cylindrical and of a smaller diameter than the rearportion of the outer cylinder 52. Preferably, a burst of air moves outof the outer cylinder 52 and through the loading member 53 to launch aprojectile out of the barrel 36. Thus, the loading member 53 includesopenings (such as openings at its forward end) that permit air to movethrough the loading member 53 and, preferably, also includes structurethat is capable of pushing a projectile within the barrel 36. Asillustrated, when the loading member 53 is within the entry portion 40of the barrel 36, it blocks the opening into the barrel 36 and stopsprojectiles from entering the entry portion 40 of the barrel 36. Whenthe outer cylinder 52 is moved backward away from the barrel 36 and theloading member 53 is removed from the entry portion 40 of the barrel 36,the entry portion 40 is open and can receive a projectile into thebarrel 36.

As illustrated, the launching mechanism 50 also includes a piston 56supported by the outer cylinder 52 and configured for sealed, slidingengagement within the outer cylinder 52. The piston 56 is biased towardthe barrel 36 by the launch spring 54. The piston 56 may also include aring or gasket 57 configured to create at least a substantial sealbetween the piston 56 and the outer cylinder 52. The illustrated piston56 is an elongate cylinder or is generally sleeve-like in shape anddefines an internal space. An internal wall portion 56 a bisects theinternal space of the piston 56 to define forward and rearward cavitieswithin the internal space. The rearward cavity houses a portion of thelaunch spring 54. The forward cavity houses a shut-off valve arrangement58. The shut-off valve arrangement 58 controls the flow of air betweenthe cylinder 52 and the barrel 36. The illustrated shut-off valvearrangement 58 includes a carrier portion 58 a supported by the piston56 and a valve element 58 b supported by the carrier portion 58 a forsliding movement relative to the carrier portion 58 a, along thelongitudinal axis of the piston 56, between a first or extended positionand a second or compressed position. A biasing element, such as a spring59 a, biases the valve element 58 b toward the extended position. A stopelement, such as the head portion of a screw 59 b, contacts the carrierportion 58 a to define the extended position. A forward end of the valveelement 58 b is configured to close off the cylinder 52 when it contactsthe end of the cylinder 52 adjacent the loading member 53. The valveelement 58 b maintains a closed position against the cylinder 52 as thepiston 56 is retracted relative to the cylinder 52 during the initialphase of the cocking sequence and maintains a closed position while boththe piston 56 and the cylinder 52 are retracted together in the secondphase of the cocking sequence, as described in greater detail below. Thevalve element 58 b opens the cylinder 52 when the cylinder 52 movesforward and the piston 56 remains retracted. Upon actuation of thelaunching mechanism 50, the valve element 58 b closes the cylinder 52shortly before the piston 56 reaches the end of the cylinder 52.Preferably, the piston 56 moves in a direction that is parallel to orcoaxial with the longitudinal axis of the barrel 36. However, in otherembodiments the piston 56 may generate air pressure by moving indirections that are not parallel to or coaxial with the longitudinalaxis of the barrel 36. Similarly, the longitudinal axis of the piston 56and cylinder 52 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the barrel 36,but in other embodiments these axes are not aligned.

Preferably, the piston 56 can be moved to a cocked position within theouter cylinder 52 and away from the barrel 36. When released, the piston56 moves toward the barrel 36 and forces air out of the outer cylinder52 and loading member 53 and into the barrel 36. Thus, a burst of air iscreated by the moving piston 36 within the outer cylinder 52 and airpressure is generated to launch a projectile through the barrel 36 andout of the muzzle 38.

Preferably, the piston 56 can be reset to a cocked or ready position bya manual cocking mechanism. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the outer housing22 includes a sliding portion, or slide, 60 that is configured to movewith respect to the rest of the outer housing 22. Preferably, thesliding portion 60 is configured to be accessible to the user and ismovable backward away from the barrel 36 to a cocking position. Thepiston 56 includes at least one tab 62 that protrudes radially from thepiston 56. Preferably, the piston 56 includes two tabs 62, onecorresponding to each side of the launcher 20. The tabs 62 areconfigured to be engaged by corresponding protruding portions 61 of thesliding portion 60. The protruding portions 61 preferably are tabs orother suitable structures that are fixed to or integral with the slidingportion 60. However, other suitable arrangements can also be used.Preferably, the protruding portions 61 of the sliding portion 60 engagethe tabs 62 on the edge of the tab 62 closest to the barrel 36. Thus,when the sliding portion 60 is moved backward toward a cocking positionand away from the barrel 36, the protruding portions 61 engage the tabs62 and move the piston 56 away from the barrel 36 and toward a cockedposition. The sliding portion 60 is then able to move forward, leavingthe piston 56 in the cocked position. Preferably, the sliding portion 60is biased toward the forward position by a biasing element, such as aspring 63 (see FIGS. 5A-5D). However, in other arrangements, the slidingportion 60 can be configured to be moved forward by the user.

The piston 56 also includes a latch portion 64. Preferably, the latchportion 64 is located at the top of the piston 56 adjacent to the end ofthe piston 56 furthest from the barrel 36. In other embodiments, thelatch portion 64 can be located at other positions such as the bottom orsides of the piston 56. The launching mechanism 50 also includes aholding member, or sear, 66 that is supported by a portion of the outerhousing 22 that does not move with the sliding portion 60. The holdingmember 66 is configured to receive and hold the latch portion 64 of thepiston 56 when the piston 56 is moved into the cocked position.Preferably, the holding member 66 is supported by the outer housing 22in a way that allows the holding member 66 to move so that it canreceive and release the latch portion 64 of the piston 56. In theillustrated arrangement, the holding member 66 moves in a verticaldirection, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thebarrel 36. A holding spring 68 may be supported by the outer housing 22and configured to bias the holding member 66 toward a holding position(e.g., downward) in which it retains the latch portion 64 and piston 56in a cocked position. The trigger 26 includes a release portion 70supported by the trigger 26 and configured to engage a portion of theholding member 66 and displace the holding member 66 toward a position(e.g., upward) in which the holding member 66 releases the latch portion64 of the piston 56.

The outer cylinder 52 preferably includes tabs 72 a and 72 b thatprotrude radially from the outer cylinder 52. As illustrated, thesliding portion 60 supports a rod or shaft 74 configured to engage thetabs 72 a and 72 b. In some embodiments, the tabs 72 a and 72 b may behook-like in shape to partially surround the shaft 74. The shaft 74engages the tabs 72 a and 72 b when the sliding portion 60 is movedtoward and away from the barrel 36. When the sliding portion 60 is movedbackward away from the barrel 36, the shaft 74 engages the rear tab 72 aand moves the cylinder backward away from the barrel 36. Similarly, whenthe sliding portion 60 is moved forward toward the barrel 36, the shaft74 engages the front tab 72 b and moves the cylinder forward toward thebarrel 36. As illustrated, the front tab 72 b and the rear tab 72 a arespaced from one another to create a lost-motion mechanism, the operationof which is described below.

The launcher 20 also includes a stop mechanism configured to inhibitbackward movement of the trigger 26 when the sliding portion 60 isdisplaced backward and away from its forward resting position. The stopmechanism includes a stop member 78 that is supported by the outerhousing 22 and is preferably biased upward toward a stopping position.When the sliding portion 60 is moved forward to a launching position, aportion of the sliding portion 60 engages and displaces the stop member78 downward to an aligned position. The trigger 26 includes a pinportion 79. Preferably the pin portion 79 is sized and shaped to movewithin a slot on the stop member 78 when the stop member 78 is in thealigned position. When the sliding portion 60 is moved backward and awayfrom the launching position, it disengages the stop member 78 whichmoves to its stopping position. With the stop member 78 in the stoppingposition, the slot on the stop member 78 and the pin portion 79 are notaligned so that the pin portion 79 is inhibited from moving backwardpast the stop member 78 and the trigger 26 is inhibited from beingpulled backward. When the sliding portion 60 returns to its forwardlaunching position, a portion of the sliding portion 60 engages the stopmember 78 and displaces it downward to the aligned position. With thestop member 78 in the aligned position, the pin portion 79 can movebackward through the slot on the stop member 78 so that the trigger 26is not inhibited from being pulled backward. Therefore, the stopmechanism and stop member 78 can inhibit a user from pulling ordepressing the trigger 26 while the sliding member 60 is in a cockingposition or positioned backward away from the barrel 36. This canprevent undesired movement of sliding portion 60 when a projectile islaunched and can help ensure that the sliding member 60 and cylinder 56are returned to the launching position before a projectile is launched.

The trigger 26 is operatively coupled to a barrel closing mechanism 80which is preferably supported by the outer housing 22 and/or barrel 36.The barrel closing mechanism 80 includes a cylindrical portion 82 andangled arms 84 extending from the cylindrical portion 82. Thecylindrical portion 82 and angled arms 84 are movable with the trigger26 and form an actuator of the barrel closing mechanism 80. The barrelclosing mechanism 80 also includes shutter members 86 supported by theangled arms 84 and movable with respect to the barrel 36. Preferably,the shutter members 86 are located adjacent the front end of the barrel36 and can move relative to one another between open and closedpositions in a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axisof the barrel 36. As illustrated, the shutter members 84 are configuredto block or cover the end of the barrel 36 when in a closed position.Preferably, when the shutter members 86 are in the closed position, theyprevent objects from entering the barrel 36 through the muzzle 38.

The barrel closing mechanism 80 is configured so that when a user pullsthe trigger 26, the trigger 26 moves in a rearward direction away fromthe barrel 36 causing the cylindrical portion 82 to move rearward, aswell. As the cylindrical portion 82 moves in a rearward direction alongthe barrel 36, it pulls the angled arms 84 in the same direction awayfrom the muzzle 38. Preferably, one of the angled arms 84 extendsthrough a portion of one of the shutter members 86, and the other angledarm 84 extends through a portion of the other shutter member 86, asillustrated. Preferably, the shutter members 86 are supported by theouter housing 22 so that they can only move in the plane perpendicularto the longitudinal axis of the barrel 36, such as within vertical slotsdefined by walls of the housing 22, for example. Therefore, when thecylindrical portion 82 and angled arms 84 move backward with the trigger26, the angled arms 84 cause the shutter members 86 to open by movingoutward from the longitudinal axis of the barrel 36. Pulling the trigger26 backward to the launching position thus causes the shutter members 86to open and unblock the end of the barrel 36, allowing a projectile tobe launched out of the unblocked barrel 36.

The projectile launcher preferably includes an attachment mechanism orportion 88. Preferably, the attachment portion 88 is supported by theouter housing 88 below the barrel 36. In other embodiments, theattachment portion 88 is located above or to the side of the barrel 36.The attachment portion 88 may be configured to couple attachments orother devices to the launcher 20 or the outer housing 22. For example,attachments might include secondary weapons, picatinny lights or lasers,bayonets, or other devices. The attachment portion 88 may include aspring and a retaining clip arranged to better secure attachments to thelauncher 20. The attachment portion 88 may also include a picatinny railto be used to connect certain attachments.

With additional reference to FIG. 6, the projectile launcher 20 may alsoinclude a positioning mechanism 90 supported by a portion of the barrel36. The position mechanism 90 includes a base 92 that can be coupled tothe barrel 36 and a positioning spring 93. The positioning mechanism 90also includes a positioning member 94 with a blocking portion, whichpreferably is spherical in shape and is referred to herein as aspherical portion 95. The barrel 36 includes an opening 96 through whichthe positioning mechanism 90 extends. Preferably, the opening 96 islocated on a position of the barrel that is adjacent the entry portion40 but offset a short distance toward the muzzle 38, as illustrated. Thepositioning member 94 is configured so that at least the sphericalportion 95 protrudes into the barrel 36 and the path of the projectile.The positioning spring 93 biases the positioning member 94 toward thisposition in which the spherical portion 95 protrudes into the path ofthe projectile.

Preferably, when a projectile enters the entry portion 40 of the barrel36, the spherical portion 95 keeps the projectile from rolling or movingdown the barrel 36 toward the muzzle 38 without the projectile beingpushed by the loading member 53 of the cylinder 52. Preferably, theentry portion 40 of the barrel 36 is sized and shaped so that only oneprojectile can enter the barrel 36 at a time. Thus, the positioningmember 94 and spherical portion 95 can prevent the projectile fromunintentionally rolling toward the muzzle end of the barrel 36 andprevent multiple projectiles from entering the barrel 36. With theprojectile in the loaded position within the barrel 36 adjacent theentry portion 40, the loading member 53 moves forward in the barrel andpushes the projectile past the positioning member 94. As the projectileis pushed by the loading member 53, the projectile and loading member 53may displace the positioning member 94 out of the projectile path asforce is transferred from the projectile to the spherical portion 95 andthe position spring 93 is compressed. Thus, the positioning member 94can retract out of the barrel 36 when engaged or pushed by theprojectile and loading member 53.

FIGS. 5A-D illustrate the interaction between the different members ofthe launching mechanism 50 and the launcher 20. FIGS. 5A-D show theparts of the launching mechanism 50 and other parts of the launcher 20in several relative positions labeled A-D. In FIG. 5A, the launchingmechanism 50 is in the uncocked positioning with the sliding portion 60and protruding portion 61 in a forward position proximate the barrel 53.The outer cylinder 52 is also forward with the loading member 53 withinthe entry portion 40 of the barrel 36. The piston 56 is also in anuncocked forward position within the cylinder 52 and proximate thebarrel 36. The shaft 74 is adjacent to and/or engaging the front tab 72b on the outer cylinder 52. The trigger 26 is in a forward position sothat the release portion 70 is not engaging the holding member 66 andthe barrel closing mechanism 80 is closed to prevent objects fromentering or exiting the barrel 36. In the forward position, the slidingportion 60 engages the stop member 78 so that the stop member 78 is inthe aligned position with the pin portion 79. A biasing member or spring63 is supported by the outer housing 22 and is operatively coupled tothe slide portion 60. Preferably, the biasing member 63 biases the slideportion 60 toward the forward position illustrated in FIG. 5A.Preferably, the launching mechanism 50 and its parts resume this forwardposition after a projectile is launched.

Preferably, the entry portion 40 includes a regulating member, guidemember or receiver 41 sized and/or shaped to assist in inhibitingmultiple projectiles from entering the barrel 36 during the loading of aprojectile into the barrel 36. The receiver 41 is arranged between thereservoir and the entry portion 40 of the barrel 36 and preferablysurrounds all or a portion of the opening defining the entry portion 40.The illustrated receiver 41 extends upwardly from the entry portion 40into the reservoir 30. A preferred embodiment of the receiver isillustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B and is generally annular in shape, butsomewhat elongated. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiver 41includes an extending or blocking portion 41 b along a portion of itsperimeter and a receiving portion 41 a along another portion of itsperimeter. The blocking portion 41 b defines a first height and thereceiving portion 41 a defines a second height that is less than thefirst height. When in position at the base of the reservoir 30, theblocking portion 41 b inhibits entry of projectiles into the receiver41, and the receiving portion 41 a allows projectiles to enter thereceiver 41 and entry portion 40, one at a time.

In order to cock the launching mechanism 50 and load a projectile intothe barrel 36, a user moves the sliding portion 60 backward away fromthe barrel 36. As shown in FIG. 5B, the sliding portion 60 andprotruding portion 61 slide backward and the protruding portion 61 pullsthe tab 62 and the piston 56 backward toward the holding member 66. Inthe illustrated arrangement, the piston 56 moves at least partially outof the outer cylinder 52. The shaft 74 moves backward away from thefront tab 72 b and engages the rear tab 72 a. Preferably, any backwardmovement of the sliding portion 60 moves the piston 56 backward, whilebackward movement of the sliding portion 60 does not cause the outercylinder 52 to move until the shaft 74 moves a distance and engages therear tab 72 a. As the piston 56 moves backward, the launching spring 54is compressed. As the sliding portion 60 moves backward away from thebarrel 36, it disengages the stop member 78 and the stop member 78 movesupward to the stopping position.

As the user continues to pull the sliding portion 60 backward, theprotruding portion 61 moves the piston 56 further rearward toward theholding member 66. The shaft 74 engages the rear tab 72 a and moves theouter cylinder 52 rearward in the same direction as the piston 56. Theprotruding portion 61 and shaft 74 move the piston 56 and outer cylinder52 in a rearward direction until the latch portion 64 moves past and isengaged by the holding member 66 and the loading member 53 is removedfrom the entry portion 40 of the barrel 36. As illustrated in FIG. 5C,when the sliding portion 60 is moved backward to the cocking position,the latch portion 64 of the piston 56 is engaged and held by the holdingmember 66. Preferably, the latch portion 64 and the holding member 66are configured so that, as the piston 56 moves backward, the latchportion engages and displaces the holding member 66 upward. After thelatch portion 64 has moved backward past the holding member 66, theholding member 66 moves downward, in response to the biasing force ofthe biasing mechanism or holding spring 68, and secures the latchportion 64 and piston in a cocked position.

When the sliding portion 60 is in the cocking position, the shaft 74 hasmoved the outer cylinder 52 rearward so that the loading member 53 isremoved from the entry portion 40 of the barrel 36. With the loadingmember 53 removed from the entry portion 40 of the barrel 36, aprojectile can enter the entry portion 40 from the reservoir 30. Asdescribed previously, preferably, the positioning mechanism 90 allowsonly a single projectile to be loaded into the barrel 36 per launchingsequence.

In some embodiments, the user moves the sliding portion 60 forward aftercocking the launcher. In other embodiments, the sliding portion 60 isbiased away from the cocking position by the biasing member 63 whichmoves the sliding portion 60 forward toward the barrel 36 when thesliding portion 60 is released by the user. As the sliding portion 60moves forward toward the barrel 36, the piston 56 remains in the cockedposition, held by the holding member 66. As the sliding portion 60 andprotruding portion 61 move forward, the shaft 74 engages the front tab72 b and moves the outer cylinder 52 forward. The outer cylinder 52 andloading member 53 move forward and the loading member 53 re-enters theentry portion 40 and pushes the projectile forward within the barrel 36.The shaft 74 and sliding portion 60 move the outer cylinder 52 andloading member 53 forward until the outer cylinder 52 returns to itslaunching position adjacent the barrel 36 and the loading member 53 haspushed the projectile to its launching position within the barrel 36, asillustrated in FIG. 5D. In the forward launching position, the slidingportion 60 engages the stop member 78 and displaces the stop member 78downward to a position aligned with the pin portion 79. In thisposition, the trigger can be pulled by the user and the launchingmechanism 50 is ready to launch the projectile. The piston 56 is heldback in the launching position and the cylinder 52 is forward with aprojectile loaded within the barrel 36.

When a user pulls the trigger 26 backward, the release portion 70engages the holding member 66 and causes the holding member 66 to moveupward. As the holding member 66 moves upward, it releases the latchportion 64 of the piston 56 and the piston 56 is released from thelaunching position. When released, the piston 56 moves forward due tothe force exerted by the launching spring 54 and generates a burst ofair or air pressure within the outer cylinder 52. The piston 56 movestoward the position shown in FIG. 5A and the burst of air or airpressure transfers through the outer cylinder 52 and out of the loadingportion 53. The burst of air pushes the projectile through the barrel 36and launches the projectile out of the muzzle 38. Also, when the userpulls the trigger, the safety mechanism 80 opens and unblocks the end ofthe barrel 36 so that the projectile can exit the barrel. Afterlaunching, the piston 56 and outer cylinder 52 remain in the forwardresting position and the loading member 53 prevents a projectile fromentering the entry portion 40, until a user again pulls the slidingportion 66 in the backward direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the trigger 26 is biased toward a forward andnon-launching position by a trigger spring 27. As described above, thetrigger 26 is operatively coupled to the barrel closing mechanism 80which is preferably supported by the outer housing 22 and/or barrel 36.Pulling the trigger 26 backward to the launching position thus causesthe shutter members 86 to open and unblock the end of the barrel 36,allowing a projectile to be launched out of the unblocked barrel 36.

After launching a projectile, the user releases the trigger 26 whichmoves forward to its resting position. This causes the cylindricalportion 82 of the barrel closing mechanism 80 to move forward toward themuzzle 38. The angled arms 84 move forward toward the muzzle 38 causingthe shutter members 86 to move toward the longitudinal axis of thebarrel 36 and cover the end of the barrel 36. With the trigger 26forward and not engaged by the user, the shutter members 86 are in theclosed position covering the end of the barrel 36 so that objects cannotenter the barrel 36 through the muzzle 38. This function of covering theend of the barrel 36 can inhibit harm to the launcher 20 or undesirableuse of the launcher by keeping undesired objects from entering thebarrel 36.

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate another embodiment of a projectile launcher 120,which is similar to launcher 20, but in the form of a rifle. Launcher120 includes an outer housing 122, a pistol grip portion 124 and amuzzle 138. The launcher 120 also preferably includes a trigger 126biased in the forward direction by a trigger spring 127, and a triggerguard 128. As illustrated, a projectile reservoir 130 is preferablyconfigured above a barrel 136. In a preferred embodiment, the launcher120 includes a handle 123 and a shoulder support, or stock, 125. Aprojectile reservoir 130 preferably includes an opening 144 and a cap orlid 146. The reservoir 130 includes sloped portions 142 configured todirect projectiles toward an entry portion 140 of the barrel 136. Theentry portion 140 may include a receiver similar to the receiver 41 oflauncher 20, as illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B.

The launcher 120 includes a launching mechanism 150 configured to createa burst of air or air pressure to launch the projectile. The launchingmechanism 150 includes an outer cylinder 152 with a loading member 153.The launching mechanism 150 also includes a piston 156 that is biasedtoward the barrel 136 by a launch spring 154. The piston 156 isconfigured to move within the outer cylinder 152 to create air pressureand force air out of the cylinder 152. Preferably, a sleeve 155 issupported by the outer cylinder 152 and is configured to move along theouter surface of the outer cylinder 152. Preferably, the piston 156includes a ring or gasket 157 to form a seal with the inner surface ofouter cylinder 152.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the launcher 120 includes a sliding member 160configured to slide with respect to the outer housing 122. The slidingmember 160 is operatively coupled to the sleeve 155 by an arm 161 sothat moving the sliding member 160 in the rearward direction toward thetrigger 126 results in movement of the sleeve 155 in the rearwarddirection. The piston 156 includes a tab 162 that protrudes radiallyfrom the piston 156 and beyond the outer cylinder 152. The tab 162 isconfigured to be engaged by the sleeve 155 as the sleeve moves backwardaway from the barrel 136. The piston 156 also includes a latch portion164 configured to engage and be held by a holding member 166. Theholding member 166 is supported by the outer housing 122 and preferablycan only move vertically in directions perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis of the piston 156. The holding member 166 functions in thesubstantially the same manner as the previous embodiment and is biasedtoward a holding position by a holding spring 168. The trigger 126includes a release portion 170 configured to release the piston 156 fromthe holding member 166 when the trigger 126 is pulled, similar to theprevious embodiment. In the illustrated arrangement, the release portion170 is an angled cam surface that engages an angled portion 171 of theholding member 166 and causes downward movement of the holding member166 in response to rearward movement of the trigger 126 (and, thus,rearward movement of the angled cam surface).

Preferably, the outer cylinder 152 includes a rear protrusion 172 a anda front protrusion 172 b. The rear protrusion 172 a is located at therear end of the outer cylinder 152 and is configured to be engaged bythe sleeve 155 when the sliding member 160 and outer cylinder 152 movebackward. The front protrusion 172 b is located closer to the barrel 136than the rear protrusion 172 a and is engaged by the sleeve 155 when thesleeve 155 and sliding member 160 move forward after moving the piston156 to the cocked position. Therefore, the outer cylinder 152 movesforward and backward with the sleeve 155 and the sliding member 160.After moving the piston 156 to the cocked position, the sliding member160 can be moved forward by the user, or the sliding member 160 caninclude a biasing member arranged to bias the sliding member 160 towardthe forward position, similar to the biasing member 63 described in theprevious embodiment. The rear protrusion 172 a and front protrusion 172b are spaced from one another to create a lost-motion mechanism, whichresults in the piston 156 starting to move before the outer cylinder 152begins to move during the cocking sequence.

In a preferred embodiment, the launching mechanism 150 includes a stopmechanism, which in the illustrated arrangement includes an arm 178pivotally supported by the housing above the outer cylinder 152 andsleeve 155. When the piston 156 is moved to the cocked position, a topprotrusion 179 on the piston 156 engages the stop mechanism 178 andtends to rotate it such that the rearward portion moves up and theforward portion moves down. When the piston 156 is in the cockedposition and the sliding member 160 returns to the forward or uncockedposition, the forward end of the arm 178 engages a rearward end of thesleeve 155 to prevent the sliding member 160 and sleeve 155 from movingin the rearward direction. This prevents the user from trying to cockand load the launcher 120 when it is already cocked, loaded, and readyto launch.

The launching mechanism 150 functions in a similar manner as thelaunching mechanism 50 described previously. However, in thisembodiment, the sleeve 155 is provided to engage and move the piston 156to the cocked position. The sleeve 155 also engages and moves the outercylinder 152 forward and backward in order to load a projectile and pushit to a launching position within the barrel 136.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the launcher 120 also includes a barrelclosure mechanism 180 similar to the barrel closure mechanism 80 of thelauncher 20 described previously. The barrel closure mechanism 180includes a cylindrical portion 182 and angled arms 184 proximate the endof the barrel 136. The barrel closure mechanism 180 also includesshutter members 186 supported by outer housing 122 and movable towardand away from one another in the vertical direction perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the barrel 136. In a closed position the shuttermembers 186 at least partially block or cover the end of the barrel 136.The trigger 126 is operatively connected to the barrel closure mechanism180 so that when the trigger 126 is pulled backward by a user, thecylindrical portion 182 moves in the backward direction and the angledarms 184 cause the shutter members 186 to open by moving radiallyoutward from the longitudinal axis of the barrel 136. The trigger 126 isbiased to a forward resting position by a trigger spring 127 and thebarrel closure mechanism 180 is biased toward a position in which theshutter members are closed over the end of the barrel 136. Thus, asdescribed in the previous embodiment, pulling the trigger 126 causes theshutter members 186 to open and releasing the trigger 126 allows thetrigger 126 to return to its resting position, and the shutter members186 close to block the end of the barrel 136.

The projectile launcher 120 also preferably includes a positioningmechanism 190 similar to the positioning mechanism 90 of the previousembodiment. The positioning mechanism 190 protrudes into the barrel 136to prevent the projectile from moving through the barrel 136 withoutbeing pushed by the loading member 153. The loading member 153 isconfigured to push the projectile from the entry portion 140 past thepositioning mechanism 190 to a launching position. As described in theprevious embodiment, the positioning mechanism 190 is biased towardprotruding into the barrel 136 and path of the projectile, but theprojectile and loading member 153 can displace the positioning mechanism190 in order to move past it.

FIG. 12A illustrates an embodiment of a pellet or projectile 200 beforeit is loaded with a liquid. Preferably, the liquid used to load theprojectiles is water, but other liquids can be used. FIG. 12Billustrates an embodiment of a projectile 220 that has been loaded withliquid and is configured to be launched by the launcher 20. Preferably,the projectiles 220 launched by the launcher 20 are made from an acrylicpolymer that can absorb large amounts of liquid per unit volume. Suchmaterials are also known as superabsorbent polymers (SAP). Inalternative embodiments, only a portion of the projectile is made of aSAP material.

Preferably, the process for manufacturing the projectiles 220 includesproducing unloaded projectiles or pellets 200 which include an acrylicpolymer or superabsorbent polymer. Preferably, the pellets 200 consistentirely or mostly of superabsorbent polymer, but in some embodimentsthe pellets 200 can include other materials.

Subsequently, the pellets 200 are soaked in or loaded with a liquid,such as water. This causes the pellets 200 to increase in size andbecome projectiles 220 that can be launched from the launcher 20.Preferably, the pellets 200 are loaded during the manufacturing process.However, in other arrangements, the pellets 200 can be loaded after themanufacturing process by an intermediate or end user. The soaking timemay be selected to result in a desirable amount of water to be absorbedby the pellet 200. For example, if a greater percentage of water isdesired, a longer soaking time can be used. Alternatively, the soakingtime can be selected such that the pellets 200 absorb an amount of waterapproaching or equal to the maximum amount possible as determined by thematerial properties. The loaded projectiles 220 preferably consist ofequal to or greater than about 50% liquid or water. In some embodiments,the loaded projectiles 220 consist of equal to or greater than about 75%liquid or water. Preferably, the loaded/soaked projectiles consist ofequal to or greater than about 95% water. As a result, the projectile220 provides a soft impact and leaves little residue behind. The loadedprojectiles 220 may then be placed in protective packaging as furtherdescribed below.

In some embodiments, the projectiles 220 are spherical in shape andsized to fit within the barrel 36 of the launcher 20. The projectiles220 may be slightly larger than the internal size of the barrel 36 toinhibit undesired movement within the barrel 36 in the absence of aburst of air from the launching mechanism 50 or 150. When loaded withliquid, the pellets may increase greatly in size. In a preferredembodiment, the pellets 200 have an unloaded diameter D1 of about 2 mm.After being loaded or soaked in water, such pellets may increase in sizeto be projectiles having a diameter D2 of about 12 mm.

Unlike paint balls and other projectiles, the illustrated projectiles220 are also preferably homogeneous in nature and do not include a hardouter covering. This allows the projectiles 220 to have a softer impactwhen launched. Similarly, the projectiles 220 may be non-marking.Preferably, the SAP material and the liquid used to load the projectilesare non-marking or leave minimal markings. Unlike projectiles used inmany launchers, these projectiles are designed for a one-time use andleave very little residue after being launched.

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the packaging used to storeprojectiles 220. The packaging includes a container 240 and a lid 250.The lid 250 can be removed to access or pour the projectiles 220. Inother embodiments, the packaging may include a container 240 with anintegrated lid or hole (not shown) for removing the projectiles 220. Thecontainer 240 may be constructed from a rigid material that protects theprojectiles from outside forces. Preferably, the container 240 and/orlid are made from a rigid plastic material. The packaging may also beconfigured so that the container 240 is sealed or airtight so that theprojectiles 220 are protected from the outside environment. Thepackaging or container 240 may also be vacuum-packed or pressurized inorder to protect the projectiles 220. In some embodiments, the packagingused to store projectiles 220 is configured to attach to the launcher sothat the projectiles enter the reservoir. In such embodiments, a userattaches the packaging, such as a hopper, filled with projectiles to aportion of the launcher and the projectiles move from the packaging intothe reservoir of the launcher. When the projectiles have entered thereservoir, the user can remove the packaging from the launcher.

FIG. 14 illustrates a second embodiment of packaging used to storeprojectiles 220. The packaging includes a cylindrical container 260.Preferably, the container 260 includes a lid 270 or some other type ofsealable opening through which the projectiles 220 can be removed. Thecylindrical shape makes it easier for the user to pour out theprojectiles 220 and load them into the launcher. The cylindrical shapeof the container 260 may also provide strength and protection fromoutside forces. Preferably, the container 260 is made from a rigidmaterial such as plastic. The container 260 may also be pressurized orvacuum-packed to provide added protection for the projectiles.

Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certainpreferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond thespecifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodimentsand/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalentsthereof. In particular, while the present systems and methods have beendescribed in the context of particularly preferred embodiments, theskilled artisan will appreciate, in view of the present disclosure, thatcertain advantages, features and aspects of the systems and methods maybe realized in a variety of other applications, many of which have beennoted above. Additionally, it is contemplated that various aspects andfeatures of the invention described can be practiced separately,combined together, or substituted for one another, and that a variety ofcombination and subcombinations of the features and aspects can be madeand still fall within the scope of the invention. Thus, it is intendedthat the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not belimited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, butshould be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A projectile launcher comprising: an outerhousing comprising a grip portion; a slide that is movable relative tothe outer housing between a rearward position and a forward position; abarrel having a loading end and a muzzle end; a reservoir configured tohouse a plurality of projectiles, the reservoir having an opening thatpermits communication with the barrel to permit a projectile to movefrom the reservoir to the barrel; a launching mechanism having a firstportion and a second portion in sealed, sliding engagement with oneanother and cooperating to define an air chamber, the first portionconfigured to be moved to a cocked position by the slide, a launchspring biasing the first portion of the launching mechanism away fromthe cocked position, wherein the movement of the first portion from thecocked position under the biasing force of the launch spring reduces avolume of the air chamber to create a burst of air capable of launchinga projectile from the barrel; a trigger mechanism configured to releasethe first portion of the launching mechanism from the cocked position;and a barrel closure mechanism comprising at least one shutter memberthat normally blocks a muzzle end of the barrel, wherein the at leastone shutter member is moved to an open position to unblock the barrelwhen the trigger is actuated; wherein the second portion includes acylinder and a loading member that selectively blocks the opening of thereservoir; wherein the second portion moves relative to the barrel withmovement of the slide toward the rearward position such that the loadingmember unblocks the opening of the reservoir to permit a projectile tomove from the reservoir through the opening to the barrel; wherein thesecond portion moves with movement of the slide toward the forwardposition.
 2. The projectile launcher of claim 1, wherein the at leastone shutter member comprises a pair of shutter members that move awayfrom one another to the open position to unblock the barrel.
 3. Theprojectile launcher of claim 2, wherein the barrel closure mechanismcomprises a pair of angled arms, each of which engages a respective oneof the pair of shutter members, wherein the angled arms are movable withthe trigger mechanism to move the pair of shutter members to the openposition.
 4. The projectile launcher of claim 1, further comprising astop mechanism configured to inhibit release of the first portion of thelaunching mechanism from the cocked position when the slide is in therearward position.
 5. The projectile launcher of claim 4, furthercomprising a trigger mechanism configured to release the first portionof the launching mechanism from the cocked position, wherein the stopmechanism comprises a stop member configured to selectively inhibitmovement of the trigger mechanism, wherein the stop member is normallybiased toward a stopping position in which movement of the triggermechanism is inhibited, wherein when the slide is in the rearwardposition, the stop member is permitted to move to the stopping positionand when the slide is in the forward position, the slide contacts andmoves the stop member away from the stopping position such that movementof the trigger mechanism is permitted.
 6. The projectile launcher ofclaim 1, wherein the slide is biased toward the forward position by abiasing member.
 7. The projectile launcher of claim 1, furthercomprising a receiver positioned within the reservoir and surroundingthe opening, the receiver comprising a blocking portion having a firstheight and a receiving portion having a second height that is less thanthe first height.
 8. A projectile launcher comprising: an outer housingcomprising a grip portion; a slide that is movable relative to the outerhousing between a rearward position and a forward position; a barrelhaving a loading end and a muzzle end; a reservoir configured to house aplurality of projectiles, the reservoir having an opening that permitscommunication with the barrel to permit a projectile to move from thereservoir to the barrel; a launching mechanism having a first portionand a second portion in sealed, sliding engagement with one another andcooperating to define an air chamber, the first portion configured to bemoved to a cocked position by the slide, a launch spring biasing thefirst portion of the launching mechanism away from the cocked position,wherein the movement of the first portion from the cocked position underthe biasing force of the launch spring reduces a volume of the airchamber to create a burst of air capable of launching a projectile fromthe barrel; a trigger mechanism configured to release the first portionof the launching mechanism from the cocked position; and a stopmechanism comprising a stop member configured to selectively inhibitmovement of the trigger mechanism, the stop mechanism configured toinhibit release of the first portion of the launching mechanism from thecocked position when the slide is in the rearward position; wherein thestop member is normally biased toward a stopping position in whichmovement of the trigger mechanism is inhibited; wherein, when the slideis in the rearward position, the stop member is permitted to move to thestopping position and, when the slide is in the forward position, theslide contacts and moves the stop member away from the stopping positionsuch that movement of the trigger mechanism is permitted; wherein thesecond portion includes a cylinder and a loading member that selectivelyblocks the opening of the reservoir; wherein the second portion movesrelative to the barrel with movement of the slide toward the rearwardposition such that the loading member unblocks the opening of thereservoir to permit a projectile to move from the reservoir through theopening to the barrel; and wherein the second portion moves withmovement of the slide toward the forward position.
 9. The projectilelauncher of claim 8, further comprising a trigger mechanism configuredto release the first portion of the launching mechanism from the cockedposition and a barrel closure mechanism comprising at least one shuttermember that normally blocks a muzzle end of the barrel, wherein the atleast one shutter member is moved to an open position to unblock thebarrel when the trigger is actuated.
 10. The projectile launcher ofclaim 9, wherein the at least one shutter member comprises a pair ofshutter members that move away from one another to the open position tounblock the barrel.
 11. The projectile launcher of claim 10, wherein thebarrel closure mechanism comprises a pair of angled arms, each of whichengages a respective one of the pair of shutter members, wherein theangled arms are movable with the trigger mechanism to move the pair ofshutter members to the open position.
 12. The projectile launcher ofclaim 8, wherein the slide is biased toward the forward position by abiasing member.
 13. The projectile launcher of claim 8, furthercomprising a receiver positioned within the reservoir and surroundingthe opening, the receiver comprising a blocking portion having a firstheight and a receiving portion having a second height that is less thanthe first height.